Yellowstone park opening for winter visitors

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — A storm that knocked out power to most of the park, toppling trees on power lines, complicated preparations for Wednesday's winter opening at the national park.

The power was back on by Monday afternoon, although the threat of avalanches at Sylvan Pass could keep the East Entrance to Yellowstone closed beyond Wednesday.

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins, Snow Lodge Restaurant, Geyser Grill and Madison Warming Hut Snack Bar are all scheduled to open for the winter on Wednesday. The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is due to open Friday.

Information

Yellowstone National Park: www.nps.gov/yell

Xanterra Parks and Resorts: www.travelyellowstone.com

In winter, the only park road that remains open to wheeled-vehicle use is the road from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Mont., to the Northeast Entrance at Silver Gate and Cooke City, Mont. Snow tires and/or chains may be required. On all other park roads, only over-snow vehicles, such as snowmobiles and larger snowcoaches, are allowed. To get to the heart of the park this winter, a concessionaire will offer a new "express snowcoach" service from West Yellowstone, Mont., to Old Faithful. The transportation arranged by Xanterra Parks and Resorts will include drop-off service for cross-country skiers.

The 30-mile trip will last two hours and will not feature the sightseeing stops customary on park snowcoach trips, Xanterra said. Cost of the streamlined trips will be $80 for adults and $40 for children ages 2-11. Most guided snowcoach tours on the same route cost about $100 per person.

Skiers wishing to be dropped off within seven miles of West Yellowstone will be charged $15. Those with drop-off locations up to 14 miles from West Yellowstone will be charged $30.

The new service is scheduled to begin Thursday and continue through March 10, with departures at 7:30 a.m. and return trips at about 5:30 p.m.